User interface for an aerosol delivery device

ABSTRACT

An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a user interface including a pushbutton and a display. A control component contained coupled to the user interface controls operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device. The control component controls the display to present a menu including a plurality of menu items selectable using only the pushbutton. Each menu item of the plurality of menu items is associated with a respective functional element of the aerosol delivery device, and the control component is configured to navigate the plurality of menu items, and select a currently-presented menu item of the plurality of menu items for control of the respective functional element, in response to respective first and second types of presses of the pushbutton, the first and second types of presses being of different durations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/928,115, filed Jul. 14, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,464,259, which isa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/233,402, filedDec. 27, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,729,185, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/930,136, filed Nov. 2, 2015, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,201,187, all of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices such assmoking articles that may utilize electrically generated heat for theproduction of aerosol (e.g., smoking articles commonly referred to aselectronic cigarettes), and more particularly to a user interfaceintegrated within an aerosol delivery device. The smoking articles maybe configured to heat an aerosol precursor, which may incorporatematerials that may be made or derived from, or otherwise incorporatetobacco, the precursor being capable of forming an inhalable substancefor human consumption.

BACKGROUND

Many smoking devices have been proposed through the years asimprovements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that requirecombusting tobacco for use. Many of those devices purportedly have beendesigned to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar orpipe smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities ofincomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from theburning of tobacco. To this end, there have been proposed numeroussmoking products, flavor generators and medicinal inhalers that utilizeelectrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt toprovide the sensations of cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking withoutburning tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the variousalternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heatgenerating sources set forth in the background art described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,737 toCollett et al., which are incorporated herein by reference. See also,for example, the various types of smoking articles, aerosol deliverydevices and electrically-powered heat generating sources referenced bybrand name and commercial source in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0216232 toBless et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally,various types of electrically powered aerosol and vapor delivery devicesalso have been proposed in U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2014/0096781 to Sears etal. and 2014/0283859 to Minskoff et al., as well as U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/282,768 to Sears et al., filed May 20, 2014;Ser. No. 14/286,552 to Brinkley et al., filed May 23, 2014; Ser. No.14/327,776 to Ampolini et al., filed Jul. 10, 2014; and Ser. No.14/465,167 to Worm et al., filed Aug. 21, 2014; all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

Ongoing developments in the field of aerosol delivery devices haveresulted in increasingly sophisticated aerosol delivery devices. Forexample, some aerosol delivery devices utilize user interfaces (e.g., apushbutton, a display, and the like) to facilitate user interaction withthe aerosol delivery device. However, the user interfaces, as currentlyconfigured, provide limited control of functions for the aerosoldelivery device. Therefore, a need exist for a user interface thatprovides comprehensive options for controlling functions of an aerosoldelivery device and further simplifies user interaction with the aerosoldelivery device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods offorming such devices, and elements of such devices. The presentdisclosure thus includes, without limitation, the following exampleimplementations. In some example implementations, an aerosol deliverydevice is provided that includes at least one housing, a user interfaceincluding a pushbutton and a display on the at least one housing, and acontrol component. The control component may be contained within the atleast one housing and coupled to the user interface. The controlcomponent may be configured to control operation of at least onefunctional element of the aerosol delivery device in response todetection of airflow through at least a portion of the at least onehousing.

The control component may be further configured to control the displayto present a menu including a plurality of menu items selectable usingonly a single pushbutton. Each menu item of the plurality of menu itemsmay be associated with a respective functional element of the aerosoldelivery device. The control component may be configured to navigate theplurality of menu items, and select a currently-presented menu item ofthe plurality of menu items for control of the respective functionalelement, in response to respective first and second types of presses ofthe pushbutton, the first and second types of presses being of differentdurations.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of thepreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the duration of the second type of press of the pushbutton issubstantially longer than the duration of the first type of press of thepushbutton, and the control component being configured to select thecurrently-presented menu item includes being configured to control thedisplay to present a progress bar to visually indicate progression of apress of the pushbutton up to the duration of the second type of pressof the pushbutton.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the control component being configured to control the displayto present the progress bar includes being configured to automaticallyupdate the progress bar with progression of the press of the pushbutton,and reset the progress bar in at least one instance in which thepushbutton is released before the duration of the second type of press.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, in at least one instance, the respective functional elementwith which the currently-presented menu item is associated is a powersource of the aerosol delivery device, and selection of thecurrently-presented menu item causes the aerosol delivery device topower off.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the aerosol delivery device of further comprises a heatingelement controllable by the control component to activate and vaporizecomponents of an aerosol precursor composition in response to thedetection of airflow, the airflow being combinable with a thereby formedvapor to form an aerosol. In which, in at least one instance, therespective functional element with which the currently-presented menuitem is associated is the heating element, and the control component isconfigured to effect an alteration of a power level of the heatingelement, and control the display to present a confirmation of thealteration, in response to selection of the currently-presented menuitem.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, in at least one instance, the respective functional elementwith which the currently-presented menu item is associated is aBluetooth communication interface, and the control component isconfigured to effect a reset of the Bluetooth communication interface,and control the display to present a confirmation of the reset, inresponse to selection of the currently-presented menu item.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, in at least one instance, the respective functional elementwith which the currently-presented menu item is associated is thedisplay, and the presently-presented menu item is further associatedwith an audio component. In which, in the at least one instance, thecontrol component is configured to effect a dimming of the display and amuting of the audio component, and control the display to present aconfirmation of the dimming and muting, in response to selection of thecurrently-presented menu item.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, in at least one instance, the respective functional elementwith which the currently-presented menu item is associated is a powersource, and a cartridge containing an aerosol precursor composition. Inwhich, the control component being configured to navigate the pluralityof menu items includes being configured to control the display topresent a current power level of the power source and a current level ofthe aerosol precursor composition within the cartridge.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the control component is further configured to turn off thedisplay after a predetermined period of time has elapsed without a pressof the pushbutton of either the first type or second type.

In some example implementations of the aerosol delivery device of anypreceding or any subsequent example implementation, or any combinationthereof, the control component is configured to detect an alert eventassociated with the aerosol delivery device, and in response to aseparate display trigger, control the display to present an alertcorresponding thereto. The separate display trigger may include at leastone of the detection of airflow through at least a portion of the atleast one housing, first and second types of presses of the pushbutton,or connection of the aerosol delivery device to a charging component.

In some example implementations, a method for controlling operation ofan aerosol delivery device including at least at least one housingcontaining a user interface including a pushbutton and a display on theat least one housing, and a control component contained within the atleast one housing and coupled to the user interface. The method mayinclude controlling operation of at least one functional element of theaerosol delivery device in response to detection of airflow through atleast a portion of the at least one housing. The method may also includecontrolling the display to present a menu including a plurality of menuitems selectable using only the pushbutton. Each menu item of theplurality of menu items may be associated with a respective functionalelement of the aerosol delivery device. The method may also includenavigating the plurality of menu items, and selecting acurrently-presented menu item of the plurality of menu items for controlof the respective functional element, in response to respective firstand second types of presses of the pushbutton, the first and secondtypes of presses being of different durations.

In some example implementations of the method of the preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theduration of the second type of press of the pushbutton is substantiallylonger than the duration of the first type of press of the pushbutton,and controlling the display to present the menu includes controlling thedisplay to present a progress bar associated with thecurrently-presented menu item and configured to visually indicateprogression of a press of the pushbutton up to the duration of thesecond type of press of the pushbutton. In which, selecting thecurrently-presented menu item includes controlling the display topresent a progress bar to visually indicate progression of a press ofthe pushbutton up to the duration of the second type of press of thepushbutton.

In some example implementations of the method of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof,controlling the display to present the progress bar includesautomatically updating the progress bar with progression of the press ofthe pushbutton, and resetting the progress in at least one instance inwhich the pushbutton is released before the duration of the second typeof press.

In some example implementations of the method of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, in atleast one instance, the respective functional element with which thecurrently-presented menu item is associated is a power source of theaerosol delivery device, and selection of the currently-presented menuitem causes the aerosol delivery device to power off.

In some example implementations of the method of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, theaerosol delivery device further includes a heating element controllableby the control component. In which, in at least one instance, therespective functional element with which the currently-presented menuitem is associated is the heating element, and the method furthercomprises activating the heating element to vaporize components of anaerosol precursor composition in response to the detection of airflow,the airflow being combinable with a thereby formed vapor to form anaerosol, effecting an alteration of a power level of the heatingelement, and controlling the display to present a confirmation of thealteration, in response to selection of the currently-presented menuitem.

In some example implementations of the method of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, in atleast one instance, the respective functional element with which thecurrently-presented menu item is associated is a Bluetooth communicationinterface, and the method further comprises effecting a reset of theBluetooth communication interface, and controlling the display topresent a confirmation of the reset, in response to selection of thecurrently-presented menu item.

In some example implementations of the method of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, in atleast one instance, the respective functional element with which thecurrently-presented menu item is associated is the display, and thepresently-presented menu item is further associated with an audiocomponent. In which, in the at least one instance, the method furthercomprises effecting a dimming of the display and a muting of the audiocomponent, and controlling the display to present a confirmation of thedimming and muting, in response to selection of the currently-presentedmenu item.

In some example implementations of the method of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, in atleast one instance, the respective functional element with which thecurrently-presented menu item is associated is a power source, and acartridge containing an aerosol precursor composition. In which,navigating the plurality of menu items includes controlling the displayto present a current power level of the power source and a current levelof the aerosol precursor composition within the cartridge.

In some example implementations of the method of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, themethod further comprises at the control component turning off thedisplay after a predetermined period of time has elapsed without a pressof the pushbutton of either the first type or second type.

In some example implementations of the method of any preceding or anysubsequent example implementation, or any combination thereof, themethod further comprises detecting an alert event associated with theaerosol delivery device; and in response to a separate display trigger,controlling the display to present an alert corresponding thereto, theseparate display trigger including at least one of the detection ofairflow through at least a portion of the at least one housing, firstand second types of presses of the pushbutton, or the connection of theaerosol delivery device to a charging component.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detaileddescription together with the accompanying drawings, which are brieflydescribed below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two,three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure,regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combinedor otherwise recited in a specific example implementation describedherein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such thatany separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of itsaspects and example implementations, should be viewed as intended,namely to be combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearlydictates otherwise.

It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is providedmerely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure.Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described exampleimplementations are merely examples and should not be construed tonarrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other exampleimplementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of some described example implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an aerosol delivery device includinga housing having a cartridge therein, according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a sectional view through the aerosoldelivery device of FIG. 1 , according to an example implementation ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a cartridge suitable for use inthe aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1 , according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device ofFIG. 1 , according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an opposing perspective view of the aerosol deliverydevice of FIG. 1 , according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a control component according to an exampleimplementation of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7-15 illustrate various functions of an aerosol delivery deviceuser interface, according to some example implementations; and

FIG. 16 illustrates various operations in a method of providing anaerosol delivery device, according to an example implementation of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to example implementations thereof. These exampleimplementations are described so that this disclosure will be thoroughand complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to thoseskilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theimplementations set forth herein; rather, these implementations areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” “the” and the like include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As described hereinafter, example implementations of the presentdisclosure relate to aerosol delivery systems. Aerosol delivery systemsaccording to the present disclosure use electrical energy to heat amaterial (preferably without combusting the material to any significantdegree) to form an inhalable substance; and components of such systemshave the form of articles most preferably are sufficiently compact to beconsidered hand-held devices. That is, use of components of preferredaerosol delivery systems does not result in the production of smoke inthe sense that aerosol results principally from by-products ofcombustion or pyrolysis of tobacco, but rather, use of those preferredsystems results in the production of vapors resulting fromvolatilization or vaporization of certain components incorporatedtherein. In some example implementations, components of aerosol deliverysystems may be characterized as electronic cigarettes, and thoseelectronic cigarettes most preferably incorporate tobacco and/orcomponents derived from tobacco, and hence deliver tobacco derivedcomponents in aerosol form.

Aerosol generating pieces of certain preferred aerosol delivery systemsmay provide many of the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalationrituals, types of tastes or flavors, organoleptic effects, physicalfeel, use rituals, visual cues such as those provided by visibleaerosol, and the like) of smoking a cigarette, cigar or pipe that isemployed by lighting and burning tobacco (and hence inhaling tobaccosmoke), without any substantial degree of combustion of any componentthereof. For example, the user of an aerosol generating piece of thepresent disclosure can hold and use that piece much like a smokeremploys a traditional type of smoking article, draw on one end of thatpiece for inhalation of aerosol produced by that piece, take or drawpuffs at selected intervals of time, and the like.

Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure also can becharacterized as being vapor-producing articles or medicament deliveryarticles. Thus, such articles or devices can be adapted so as to provideone or more substances (e.g., flavors and/or pharmaceutical activeingredients) in an inhalable form or state. For example, inhalablesubstances can be substantially in the form of a vapor (i.e., asubstance that is in the gas phase at a temperature lower than itscritical point). Alternatively, inhalable substances can be in the formof an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of fine solid particles or liquiddroplets in a gas). For purposes of simplicity, the term “aerosol” asused herein is meant to include vapors, gases and aerosols of a form ortype suitable for human inhalation, whether or not visible, and whetheror not of a form that might be considered to be smoke-like.

Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure generally include anumber of components provided within an outer body or shell, which maybe referred to as a housing. The overall design of the outer body orshell can vary, and the format or configuration of the outer body thatcan define the overall size and shape of the aerosol delivery device canvary. Aerosol delivery devices are often configured in a manner thatmimics aspects of certain traditional smoking devices such as cigarettesor cigars. In this regard, aerosol delivery devices typically define asubstantially cylindrical configuration. Typically, an elongated bodyresembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can be a formed from asingle, unitary housing or the elongated housing can be formed of two ormore separable bodies. For example, an aerosol delivery device cancomprise an elongated shell or body that can be substantially tubular inshape and, as such, resemble the shape of a conventional cigarette orcigar. Aerosol delivery devices often include a control body and acartridge which attach in an end-to-end relationship to define thesubstantially cylindrical configuration.

While such configurations may provide a look and feel that is similar totraditional smoking articles, these configurations may suffer fromcertain detriments. For example, cylindrically-configured aerosoldelivery devices may not define attachment points usable to retain theaerosol delivery device in a desired position when not in use. Further,the cylindrical configuration may result in the mouthpiece being exposedto the surrounding environment and therefore susceptible tocontamination. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide aerosoldelivery devices in configurations that differ from shapes associatedwith traditional smoking articles.

In one example, all of the components of the aerosol delivery device arecontained within one housing. Alternatively, an aerosol delivery devicecan comprise two or more housings that are joined and are separable. Forexample, an aerosol delivery device can possess at one end a controlbody comprising a housing containing one or more reusable components(e.g., a rechargeable battery and various electronics for controllingthe operation of that article), and at the other end and integral withor removably coupled thereto, an outer body or shell containing adisposable portion (e.g., a disposable flavor-containing cartridge).

Aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure most preferablycomprise some combination of a power source (i.e., an electrical powersource), at least one control component (e.g., means for actuating,controlling, regulating and ceasing power for heat generation, such asby controlling electrical current flow the power source to othercomponents of the article—e.g., a microprocessor, individually or aspart of a microcontroller component), a heating element or heatgeneration member (e.g., an electrical resistance heating element orother component, which alone or in combination with one or more furtherelements may be commonly referred to as an “atomizer”), an aerosolprecursor composition (e.g., commonly a liquid capable of yielding anaerosol upon application of sufficient heat, such as ingredientscommonly referred to as “smoke juice,” “e-liquid” and “e-juice”), and amouth end region or tip for allowing draw upon the aerosol deliverydevice for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined airflow path through thearticle such that aerosol generated can be withdrawn therefrom upondraw).

In various examples, an aerosol delivery device can comprise a reservoirconfigured to retain the aerosol precursor composition. The reservoirparticularly can be formed of a porous material (e.g., a fibrousmaterial) and thus may be referred to as a porous substrate (e.g., afibrous substrate). A fibrous substrate useful as a reservoir in anaerosol delivery device can be a woven or nonwoven material formed of aplurality of fibers or filaments and can be formed of one or both ofnatural fibers and synthetic fibers. For example, a fibrous substratemay comprise a fiberglass material. In particular examples, a celluloseacetate material can be used. In other example implementations, a carbonmaterial can be used. A reservoir may be substantially in the form of acontainer and may include a fibrous material included therein.

In some implementations, the aerosol delivery device can include anindicator, which may comprise one or more light emitting diodes or agraphical user interface via a display. The indicator can be incommunication with the control component through a connector circuit andilluminate, for example, during a user draw on the mouthend as detectedby the flow sensor.

More specific formats, configurations and arrangements of componentswithin the aerosol delivery systems of the present disclosure will beevident in light of the further disclosure provided hereinafter.Additionally, the selection and arrangement of various aerosol deliverysystem components can be appreciated upon consideration of thecommercially available electronic aerosol delivery devices, such asthose representative products referenced in background art section ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an aerosol delivery device 100, andFIG. 2 illustrates a modified sectional view through the aerosoldelivery device, according to an example implementation of the presentdisclosure. As illustrated, the aerosol delivery device 100 may comprisea housing 102 and a cartridge 200. The cartridge may be moveable withrespect to at least a portion of, or an entirety of, the housing. Inparticular, the cartridge may be moveable relative to at least a portionof the housing between an extended configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 ,and a retracted configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 . Details withrespect to the mechanisms and manners associated with movement of thecartridge relative to the housing are described hereinafter.

In some example implementations, one or both of the housing 102 and thecartridge 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 may be referred to asbeing disposable or as being reusable. The aerosol delivery device mayinclude various other components disposed within the housing 102 or thecartridge 200 or otherwise coupled thereto. These components may bedistributed between the housing and the cartridge in any of variousmanners. For example, the housing may include a replaceable battery or arechargeable battery and thus may be combined with any type ofrecharging technology, including connection to a typical alternatingcurrent electrical outlet, connection to a car charger (i.e., acigarette lighter receptacle), and connection to a computer, such asthrough a universal serial bus (USB) cable or connector. Further, insome example implementations, the cartridge may comprise a single-usecartridge, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al.,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Accordingly,it should be understood that the described implementations are providedfor example purposes only.

In one example implementation, the housing 102 and cartridge 200 formingthe aerosol delivery device 100 may be permanently coupled to oneanother. Examples of aerosol delivery devices that may be configured tobe disposable and/or which may include first and second outer bodiesthat are configured for permanent coupling are disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/170,838 to Bless et al., filed Feb. 3, 2014,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In anotherexample implementation, the cartridge and control body may be configuredin a single-piece, non-detachable form and may incorporate thecomponents, aspects, and features disclosed herein. However, in anotherexample implementation, the control body and cartridge may be configuredto be separable such that, for example, the cartridge may be refilled orreplaced.

By way of example, in the illustrated implementation of FIG. 2 , theaerosol delivery device 100 includes a power source 104 (e.g., abattery) positioned within the housing 102. Further, a connector 106 maybe moveably attached to the housing. The cartridge 200 may be engagedwith the connector so as to be moveable relative to at least a portionof the housing. In some implementations, the cartridge may be removablyengaged with the connector and replaceable.

The aerosol delivery device 100 may additionally include a controlcomponent 108 received therein. The control component may be configuredto direct electrical power from the power source 104 to the cartridge200 to heat the aerosol precursor composition retained in the reservoir214 with the atomizer 212 to produce a vapor, which may occur during auser draw on the mouthpiece 220 of the cartridge. The control componentincludes a number of electronic components, and in some examples may beformed of a printed circuit board (PCB) that supports and electricallyconnects the electronic components. Examples of suitable electroniccomponents include a microprocessor or processor core, an integratedcircuit (IC), a memory, and the like. In some examples, the controlcomponent may include a microcontroller with an integrated processorcore and memory, and which may further include one or more integratedinput/output peripherals.

As noted above, the cartridge 200 may be moveable relative to thehousing 102. In this regard, the aerosol delivery device 100 may furthercomprise an actuator 110. In particular, the actuator may be coupled tothe connector 106. Thereby, the actuator may be operatively engaged withthe cartridge and configured to move the cartridge between the extendedconfiguration and the retracted configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the mouthpiece 220 may be exposed when thecartridge 200 is in the extended configuration. In other words themouthpiece may be positioned outside of the housing 102 when thecartridge is in the extended configuration such that a user may engagethe mouthpiece with his or her lips. Thus, the extended configuration ofthe cartridge is a configuration in which the aerosol delivery device100 is configured to receive a draw on the mouthpiece 220 such that theaerosol delivery device may produce and deliver an aerosol to a user inthe manner described above.

Conversely, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , in the retracted configurationthe mouthpiece 220 is relatively closer to the housing 102 than in theextended configuration of FIG. 1 . In the retracted configuration, themouthpiece may be flush with respect to the housing. In other words, anouter surface of the mouthpiece may substantially align with an outersurface of the housing. In another implementation the mouthpiece may berecessed with respect to the housing. In other words, a gap may beprovided between the outer surface of the mouthpiece and the outersurface of the housing.

FIG. 3 illustrates a more particular example of the cartridge 200 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . As illustrated, the cartridge may comprise a baseshipping plug 202, a base 204, a control component terminal 206, anelectronic control component 208, a flow tube 210, an atomizer 212, areservoir 214, an outer body 216, a label 218, a mouthpiece 220, and amouthpiece shipping plug 222 according to an example implementation ofthe present disclosure.

The base 204 may be coupled to a first end of the outer body 216 and themouthpiece 220 may be coupled to an opposing second end of the outerbody to at least partially enclose the remaining components of thecartridge 200 therein, with the exception of the label 218, themouthpiece shipping plug 222, and the base shipping plug 202. The basemay be configured to engage an associated device including a powersource 104. In some implementations, the base may comprise anti-rotationfeatures that substantially prevent relative rotation between thecartridge and associated device including the power source. The baseshipping plug may be configured to engage and protect the base prior touse of the cartridge. Similarly, the mouthpiece shipping plug may beconfigured to engage and protect the mouthpiece prior to use of thecartridge.

The control component terminal 206, the electronic control component208, the flow tube 210, the atomizer 212, and the reservoir substrate214 may be retained within the outer body 216. The label 218 may atleast partially surround the outer body and include information such asa product identifier thereon. The atomizer 212 may comprise a firstheating terminal 234 a and a second heating terminal 234 b, a liquidtransport element 238 and a heating element 240.

In some example, a valve may be positioned between the reservoir and theheating element, and configured to control an amount of aerosolprecursor composition passed or delivered from the reservoir to theheating element.

The reservoir 214 may be a container or can be a fibrous reservoir, aspresently described. For example, the reservoir may comprise one or morelayers of nonwoven fibers substantially formed into the shape of a tubeencircling the interior of the cartridge 200. An aerosol precursorcomposition can be retained in the reservoir. Liquid components, forexample, can be sorptively retained by the reservoir. The reservoir canbe in fluid connection with the liquid transport element 238 adapted towick or otherwise transport an aerosol precursor composition stored inthe reservoir housing to the heating element 240. In particular, theliquid transport element can transport the aerosol precursor compositionstored in the reservoir via capillary action to the heating element thatis in the form of a metal wire coil in this example. As such, theheating element is in a heating arrangement with the liquid transportelement. Example implementations of reservoirs and transport elementsuseful in aerosol delivery devices according to the present disclosureare further described below, and such reservoirs and/or transportelements can be incorporated into devices such as illustrated in FIG. 3as described herein. In particular, specific combinations of heatingmembers and transport elements as further described below may beincorporated into devices such as illustrated in FIG. 3 as describedherein.

Various examples of materials configured to produce heat when electricalcurrent is applied therethrough may be employed to form the heatingelement 240. The heating element in these examples may be resistiveheating element such as a wire coil. Example materials from which thewire coil may be formed include Kanthal (FeCrAl), Nichrome, Molybdenumdisilicide (MoSi₂), molybdenum silicide (MoSi), Molybdenum disilicidedoped with Aluminum (Mo(Si,Al)₂), graphite and graphite-based materials(e.g., carbon-based foams and yarns) and ceramics (e.g., positive ornegative temperature coefficient ceramics). Example implementations ofheating elements or heating members useful in aerosol delivery devicesaccording to the present disclosure are further described below, and canbe incorporated into devices such as illustrated in FIG. 3 as describedherein.

The cartridge 200 may include a flow director defining a non-tubularconfiguration, an electronics compartment sealed with respect to areservoir compartment, and/or any of the various other features andcomponents disclosed therein. Accordingly, it should be understood thatthe particular implementation of the cartridge described herein isprovided for example purposes only. In this regard, the cartridge isschematically illustrated in FIG. 2 as including only the outer body216, the mouthpiece 220, the atomizer 212, the reservoir 214, and thebase 204, in light of the various alternate and additional componentsthat may be included therein.

One or more components of the cartridge 200 may be configured to form anelectrical connection with the connector 106. For example, referring tothe cartridge implementation of FIG. 3 , the first heating terminal 234a and the second heating terminal 234 b (e.g., positive and negativeterminals) at the opposing ends of the heating element 240 areconfigured to form an electrical connection with the connector. Further,the electronic control component 208 (see FIG. 3 ) may form anelectrical connection with the connector through the control componentterminal 206 (see FIG. 3 ). Components within the housing 102 (e.g., thecontrol component 108) may thus employ the electronic control componentto determine whether the cartridge is genuine and/or perform otherfunctions. However, in other implementations the connection between theconnector and the cartridge may not be electrical. In other words, theconnection between the connector and the cartridge may be purelymechanical. In these implementations, atomization may occur outside ofthe cartridge or atomization may occur via other methods not requiringelectrical connections between the cartridge and the housing such as viapiezoelectric or radio frequency atomization. Alternatively, the powersource may be positioned in the cartridge such that electricalconnection with connector is not required.

In use, when a user draws on the aerosol delivery device 100, theheating element 240 of the atomizer 212 is activated to vaporizecomponents of the aerosol precursor composition. Drawing upon themouthpiece 220 of the aerosol delivery device causes ambient air toenter and pass through an opening in the connector 106 or in thecartridge 200. In the cartridge, the drawn air combines with the formedvapor to form an aerosol. The aerosol is whisked, aspirated or otherwisedrawn away from the heating element and out the opening in themouthpiece of the aerosol delivery device. However, the flow of air maybe received through other parts of the aerosol delivery device in otherimplementations. As noted above, in some implementations the cartridgemay include the flow tube 210. The flow tube may be configured to directthe flow of air to the heating element.

In particular, a sensor in the aerosol delivery device 100 may detectthe flow of air throughout the aerosol delivery device. When a flow ofair is detected, the control component 108 may direct current to theheating element 240 through a circuit including the first heatingterminal 234 a and the second heating terminal 234 b. Accordingly, theheating element may vaporize the aerosol precursor composition directedto an aerosolization zone from the reservoir 214 by the liquid transportelement 238. Thus, the mouthpiece 220 may allow passage of aerosol(i.e., the components of the aerosol precursor composition in aninhalable form) therethrough to a consumer drawing thereon.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the aerosol delivery device 100in the closed configuration, and FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective viewof the aerosol delivery device in the extended configuration, having aparticular form factor according to some example implementations. Asillustrated, the housing 102 may define an ergonomic shape configured tocomfortably fit within a user's hand. The shape of the housing, however,is not limited and may be any shape that accommodates the variouselements as described herein. In some implementations, the housing maybe expressly non-cylindrical.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5 , the aerosol delivery device 100 mayadditionally include an attachment mechanism 112. The attachmentmechanism 112 may comprise a loop, a clip, a ring, or other mechanismconfigured to attach to another device such as a keychain, a carabineer,or a lanyard. Accordingly, the aerosol delivery device may be retainedin a desired position. Thus, for example, a user may be able to moreeasily secure the aerosol delivery device in a desired position at whichthe aerosol delivery device may be less prone to damage or misplacement.

The aerosol delivery device 100 may additionally include an inputmechanism 114. The input mechanism may comprise a pushbutton or otherswitch configured to receive an input from a user. When the inputmechanism is actuated, the aerosol delivery device may produce an outputcorresponding to a status of the aerosol delivery device. For example,the aerosol delivery device may output sound, vibration, or light. Asillustrated in FIG. 4 , the aerosol delivery device may further comprisean indicator 116. The indicator may comprise a light transmitter (e.g.,plastic or glass, which may be tinted a desired color). Further, theindicator may include a light emitter, which may comprise anincandescent bulb or light emitting diode (LED). Thereby, the lightemitter may illuminate the light transmitter, which may direct the lightoutwardly therethrough to output a status of the aerosol deliverydevice.

The indicator 116 may flash or otherwise illuminate to indicate aremaining or used portion of the capacity of the power source 104 or thereservoir 214. For example, a relatively large number of flashes of theindicator upon actuation of the input mechanism 114 may correspond to arelatively large remaining capacity of the power source or thereservoir. Conversely, a relatively small number of flashes of theindicator upon actuation of the input mechanism may correspond to arelatively small remaining capacity of the power source or thereservoir. However, the indicator and/or other output mechanisms may beemployed to output various other information and/or output informationin various other manners. Examples of other information that may beoutputted include error messages, operational modes, historical usageinformation, etc.

In some implementations, the aerosol delivery device 100 may include adisplay 118, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 . The display may beprovided in addition to, or as an alternate for, the indicator 116. Thedisplay may be configured to output various information includinginformation regarding a status of the aerosol delivery device,information unrelated to the status of the aerosol delivery device(e.g., the present time), and/or non-informative graphics (e.g.,graphics provided for user entertainment purposes). Thereby, the displaymay be configured to output any or all of the information describedabove (e.g., a remaining or used portion of the capacity of the powersource 104 or the reservoir 214) in any form such as graphical formand/or a numerical form. Further, in some implementations operation orthe display may be controlled by the input mechanism 114 or a separateinput mechanism. The display, for example, may be a touchscreen and thusmay be configured for user input. In some implementations, the displaymay provide icons, menus, or the like configured to allow a user to makecontrol selections related to the functioning of the aerosol deliverydevice, check a specific status of the device, or the like. Although thedisplay is illustrated as encompassing only a relatively small portionof the aerosol delivery device, it is understood that the display maycover a significantly greater portion of the aerosol delivery device.

The various components of an aerosol delivery device according to thepresent disclosure can be chosen from components described in the artand commercially available. Examples of batteries that can be usedaccording to the disclosure are described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The aerosol delivery device 100 can incorporate the flow sensor oranother sensor or detector for control of supply of electric power tothe heating element 240 when aerosol generation is desired (e.g., upondraw during use). As such, for example, there is provided a manner ormethod of turning off the power supply to the heating element when theaerosol delivery device is not be drawn upon during use, and for turningon the power supply to actuate or trigger the generation of heat by theheating element during draw. Additional representative types of sensingor detection mechanisms, structure and configuration thereof, componentsthereof, and general methods of operation thereof, are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 toMcCafferty et al., and PCT Pat. App. Pub. No. WO 2010/003480 to Flick,all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The aerosol delivery device 100 most preferably incorporates the controlcomponent 108 or another control mechanism for controlling the amount ofelectric power to the heating element 240 during draw. Representativetypes of electronic components, structure and configuration thereof,features thereof, and general methods of operation thereof, aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,947,874 to Brooks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty etal., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No.7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,205,622 to Pan, U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2009/0230117 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2014/0060554 to Collet et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0270727 toAmpolini et al., and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/209,191 toHenry et al., filed Mar. 13, 2014, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

Representative types of substrates, reservoirs or other components forsupporting the aerosol precursor are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,528,569 to Newton, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261487 to Chapman etal., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0059780 to Davis et al., filed Aug.28, 2013, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/170,838 to Bless etal., filed Feb. 3, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties. Additionally, various wicking materials,and the configuration and operation of those wicking materials withincertain types of electronic cigarettes, are set forth in U.S. Pat. App.Pub. No. 2014/0209105 to Sears et al., which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The aerosol precursor composition, also referred to as a vapor precursorcomposition, may comprise a variety of components including, by way ofexample, a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol or amixture thereof), nicotine, tobacco, tobacco extract and/or flavorants.Representative types of aerosol precursor components and formulationsalso are set forth and characterized in U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,320 toRobinson et al. and U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2013/0008457 to Zheng et al.;2013/0213417 to Chong et al.; 2014/0060554 to Collett et al.;2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al.; and 2015/0020830 to Koller, as well asWO 2014/182736 to Bowen et al, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference. Other aerosol precursors that may be employedinclude the aerosol precursors that have been incorporated in the VUSE®product by R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company, the BLU™ product by LorillardTechnologies, the MISTIC MENTHOL product by Mistic Ecigs, and the VYPEproduct by CN Creative Ltd. Also desirable are the so-called “smokejuices” for electronic cigarettes that have been available from JohnsonCreek Enterprises LLC.

Additional representative types of components that yield visual cues orindicators may be employed in the aerosol delivery device 100, such asLEDs and related components, auditory elements (e.g., speakers),vibratory elements (e.g., vibration motors) and the like. Examples ofsuitable LED components, and the configurations and uses thereof, aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,192 to Sprinkel et al., U.S. Pat. No.8,499,766 to Newton, U.S. Pat. No. 8,539,959 to Scatterday, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/173,266 to Sears et al., filed Feb. 5,2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

Yet other features, controls or components that can be incorporated intoaerosol delivery devices of the present disclosure are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,967,148 to Harris et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289 to Watkinset al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,979 to Counts et al., U.S. Pat. No.6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,742 to Hon, U.S.Pat. No. 8,402,976 to Fernando et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2005/0016550 to Katase, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0163063 to Fernandoet al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al., U.S. Pat.App. Pub. No. 2013/0298905 to Leven et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2013/0180553 to Kim et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0000638 toSebastian et al., U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261495 to Novak et al.,U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0261408 to DePiano et al., and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/286,552 to Brinkley et al., all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIG. 6 illustrates a more particular configuration of electroniccomponents 600 that may be utilized within a suitable aerosol deliverydevice such as aerosol delivery device 100, according to some exampleimplementations. The aerosol delivery device may be configured toexecute computer code for performing the operations described herein. Asillustrated, the aerosol delivery device may comprise a processor 602(e.g., control component 108) that may be a microprocessor forcontrolling the overall operation thereof. In one implementation theprocessor 602 may be particularly configured to execute program codeinstructions related to the functions described herein, including theoperations for assembling the aerosol delivery devices or portionsthereof of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery device may alsoinclude a memory device 604. The memory device 604 may includenon-transitory and tangible memory that may be, for example, volatileand/or non-volatile memory. The memory device 604 may be configured tostore information, data, files, applications, instructions or the like.For example, the memory device 604 could be configured to buffer inputdata for processing by the processor 602. Additionally or alternatively,the memory device 604 may be configured to store instructions forexecution by the processor 602.

The aerosol delivery device 600 may also include a user interface 606that allows a user to interact therewith. For example, the userinterface 606 can include a user input interface (e.g., input mechanism114) that can take a variety of forms, such as a pushbutton, keypad,dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture inputinterface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, theuser interface 606 may include a user output interface such as a display(e.g., display 118), speaker, or other output device configured tooutput information to the user.

The aerosol delivery device 600 may further include a communicationinterface 608 configured to enable wireless communication. In someexamples, the communication interface may be included on a PCB of thecontrol component, or a separate PCB that may be coupled to the PCB orone or more components of the control component. The communicationinterface may enable the aerosol delivery device to wirelesslycommunicate with one or more networks, computing devices or otherappropriately-enabled devices. Examples of suitable computing devicesinclude any of a number of different mobile computers. More particularexamples of suitable mobile computers include portable computers (e.g.,laptops, notebooks, tablet computers), mobile phones (e.g., cell phones,smartphones), wearable computers (e.g., smartwatches) and the like. Inother examples, the computing device may be embodied as other than amobile computer, such as in the manner of a desktop computer, servercomputer or the like. And in yet another example, the computing devicemay be embodied as an electric beacon such as one employing iBeacon™technology developed by Apple Inc. Examples of suitable mannersaccording to which the aerosol delivery device may be configured towirelessly communicate are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/327,776, filed Jul. 10, 2014, to Ampolini et al., and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/609,032, filed Jan. 29, 2016, to Henry, Jr. etal., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The communication interface 608 may include, for example, an antenna (ormultiple antennas) and supporting hardware and/or software for enablingwireless communication with a communication network (e.g., a cellularnetwork, Wi-Fi, WLAN, and/or the like), and/or for supportingdevice-to-device, short-range communication, in accordance with adesired communication technology. Examples of suitable short-rangecommunication technologies that may be supported by the communicationinterface include various near field communication (NFC) technologies,wireless personal area network (WPAN) technologies and the like. Moreparticular examples of suitable WPAN technologies include thosespecified by IEEE 802.15 standards or otherwise, including Bluetooth,Bluetooth low energy (Bluetooth LE), ZigBee, infrared (e.g., IrDA),radio-frequency identification (RFID), Wireless USB and the like. Yetother examples of suitable short-range communication technologiesinclude Wi-Fi Direct, as well as certain other technologies based on orspecified by IEEE 802.11 and/or IEEE 802.15.4 standards and that supportdirect device-to-device communication.

According to example implementations of the present disclosure, theinput mechanism 114, such as a pushbutton, and the display 118 mayprovide a user interface for the aerosol delivery device 100. Thecontrol component 108 may be contained within the 102 housing, coupledto the user interface and configured to control operation of at leastone functional element of the aerosol delivery device 100. FIGS. 7-15illustrate various functions of such a user interface, according to someexample implementations.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , in some example implementations, the controlcomponent 108 may be configured to control the display 118 to present amenu including a plurality of menu items 700. In some exampleimplementations, due to the limited surface area provided by a typicallysmall form-factor of the aerosol delivery device 100, the plurality ofmenu items may be selectable using only a single pushbutton (e.g., inputmechanism 114) of the aerosol delivery device 100, which in someexamples implementations may only include the single pushbutton. Thecontrol component may be configured to navigate the plurality of menuitems, and select a currently-presented menu item of the plurality ofmenu items for control of the respective functional element, in responseto respective first and second types of presses of the pushbutton inwhich the first and second types of presses are of different durations.

In some example implementations, the duration of the second type ofpress of the pushbutton is substantially longer than the duration of thefirst type of press of the pushbutton. In such implementations, inaddition to selecting the currently-presented menu item, the controlcomponent 108 may be configured to control the display 118 to present aprogress bar 702 associated with the currently-presented menu item. Theprogress bar may visually indicate progression of a press of thepushbutton up to the duration of the second type of press of thepushbutton. In some implementations, the control component may beconfigured to automatically update the progress bar with progression ofthe press of the pushbutton, and reset the progress bar in at least oneinstance in which the pushbutton is released before the duration of thesecond type of press.

In some example implementations, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 , thedisplay 118 may enter a standby mode 800 after a predetermined period oftime has elapsed without a press of the pushbutton of either the firsttype or second type which may be simply referred to herein as an “idleduration.” In such an implementation, the control component 108 may beconfigured to turn off the display after the idle duration (e.g., three(3) second duration in which without a press of the pushbutton of eitherthe first type or second type). It should be noted that, although manyof the example implementations discuss the idle duration with referenceto a three (3) second period of time, a duration of time may be greaterthan or less than three (3) seconds.

Each menu item of the plurality of menu items may be associated with arespective functional element of the aerosol delivery device. The menuitems may include, for example, a status menu 900, a heating elementpower setting menu 1000, a stealth mode menu 1100, Bluetooth menu 1200,and/or a power menu 1300.

In some example implementations, in at least one instance, therespective functional element with which the currently-presented menuitem is associated is the power source 104, and the cartridge 200containing an aerosol precursor composition. In such implementations andinstance(s), the control component 108 may be configured to control thedisplay 118 to present the status menu 900, as illustrated in FIGS. 7and 9 . The status menu may indicate a current power level of the powersource and a current level of the aerosol precursor composition withinthe cartridge (e.g., a remaining or used portion of the capacity of thepower source or the reservoir 214).

The status menu 900 may present graphical icons that indicate thecurrent status of the aerosol delivery device 100. The graphical iconsmay include, for example, a reservoir capacity icon 902, a powercapacity icon 904, a charging icon 906, and a Bluetooth indicator 908.The reservoir capacity icon may indicate a percentage of remainingaerosol precursor composition within the reservoir 214, the powercapacity icon may indicate the remaining the remaining portion of thecapacity of the power source portion of the capacity of the power source104, the charging icon may similarly indicate the remaining portion ofthe capacity of the power source and further indicate that the aerosoldelivery device is connected to a charger, and the Bluetooth indicatormay indicate that the aerosol delivery device is currently connectedwith a Bluetooth compatible device. In some example implementations, thegraphical icon immediately transitions from the power capacity icon tothe charging icon, or vice versa, in response to the charger beingconnected or disconnected from the aerosol delivery device.

In some example implementations, the status menu 900 may be initiallypresented if the display 118 was previously turned off or in standbymode 800, or the aerosol delivery device 100 is alternating states ofcharging (e.g., connecting to, or being disconnected from a charger). Inone implementation, for example, a short or long button-press (e.g., asecond type of press of three (3) second duration) may transition thedisplay from being turned off to presenting the status screen. Further athree (3) second idle duration after presentation of the status screenmay cause the display to reenter standby mode. In some implementations,a single button press of the first type may cause the display totransition from the status screen to a subsequent menu item or topresent an alert. Similarly, a detection of airflow throughout theaerosol delivery device may cause the display to dim 910 whilepresenting the status screen or to present an alert.

In some example implementations, in at least one instance, therespective functional element with which the currently-presented menuitem is associated is the heating element 240. In such implementationsand instance(s), the control component 108 may be configured to controlthe display 118 to present the heating element power setting menu 1000,as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 10 . In response to the selection of theheating element power setting menu item, the control component mayeffect an alteration of the power level of the heating element, andcontrol the display to present a confirmation of the alteration.

In some example implementations, the power level of the heating element240 may be altered from a current power setting 1002 to a second setting1004, or third setting 1006 in response to a second type press of thepushbutton. For example, the power level may be altered from low,normal, or high heating element power levels. The heating element powersetting menu items may continuously transition as the duration increasesand the progress bar may subsequently update. Upon release of thepushbutton, the control component 108 may effect alteration of the powerlevel of the heating element according to the currently-presented menuitem.

In some example implementations, the control component 108 may controlthe display 118 to present the plurality of menu items upon user controlof the aerosol delivery device 100 via an external device (e.g., aBluetooth wireless link). In at least one instance, the controlcomponent may thereby effect alteration of the power level of theheating element via the external device according to a correspondingmenu item of the currently-presented menu item. For example, the usermay visualize a currently-presented menu item (e.g., power settingitems) via a mobile application and navigate menu items at the externaldevice that correspond to the plurality or menu items such that thecontrol component may simultaneously update the currently-presented menuitem to reflect a corresponding menu item being presented on a displayof the external device, upon user progression to the corresponding menuitem at the external device.

In one implementation, for example, a three (3) second idle durationafter presentation of the heating element power setting menu 1000 maycause the display 118 to reenter standby mode 800. In someimplementations, a single button press of the first type may cause thedisplay to transition from the heating element power setting menu to asubsequent menu item or to present an alert. Similarly, a detection ofairflow throughout the aerosol delivery device 100 may cause the displayto dim 1008 while presenting the status screen or to present an alert.

In some example implementations, in at least one instance, therespective functional element with which the currently-presented menuitem is associated is the display 118, and the presently-presented menuitem is further associated with an audio component. In suchimplementations and instance(s), the control component 108 may beconfigured to control the display to present the stealth mode menu 1100,as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11 . In response to the selection of thestealth mode menu item, the control component may effect a dimming ofthe display and a muting of the audio component. The progress bar 1102may automatically updated with progression of the press of thepushbutton, and upon completion, the control component may furthercontrol the display to present a confirmation 1104 of the dimming andmuting.

In one implementation, for example, a three (3) second idle durationafter presentation of the stealth mode menu 1100 may cause the display118 to enter standby mode 800. In some implementations, a single buttonpress of the first type may cause the display to transition from thestealth mode menu to a subsequent menu item or to present an alert.Similarly, a one (1) second idle duration after confirmation 1104 of thedimming and muting may cause the display to enter standby mode or topresent an alert.

In some example implementations, in at least one instance, therespective functional element with which the currently-presented menuitem is associated is a Bluetooth communication interface (e.g.,communication interface 608). It should be noted however, that whilethese example implementations may be discussed in the context of aBluetooth communication interface, the currently-presented menu item mayassociated with other communication interfaces not expressly statedherein. In such implementations and instance(s), the control component108 may be configured to control the display 118 to present theBluetooth menu 1200, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 12 . In response tothe selection of the Bluetooth menu item, the control component mayeffect a reset of the Bluetooth communication interface. The progressbar 1202 may automatically updated with progression of the press of thepushbutton, and upon completion, the control component may furthercontrol the display to present a confirmation 1204 of the reset.

In one implementation, for example, a three (3) second idle durationafter presentation of the Bluetooth menu 1200 may cause the display 118to enter standby mode 800. In some implementations, a single buttonpress of the first type may cause the display to transition from acurrently-presented menu to a subsequent menu item or to present analert. Similarly, a one (1) second idle duration after confirmation 1204of the reset may cause the display to enter standby mode or to presentan alert.

In some example implementations, in at least one instance, therespective functional element with which the currently-presented menuitem is associated is a power source 104 of the aerosol delivery device.In such implementations and instance(s), the control component 108 maybe configured to control the display 118 to present the power menu 1300,as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 13 . In response to the selection of thepower menu item, the control component may cause the aerosol deliverydevice to power off. The progress bar 1302 may automatically updatedwith progression of the press of the pushbutton, and upon completion,the control component may further control the aerosol delivery deviceand subsequently the display to turn off 1304.

In one implementation, for example, a three (3) second idle durationafter presentation of the power menu 1300 may cause the display 118 toenter standby mode 800. In some implementations, a single button pressof the first type may cause the display to transition from the Bluetoothmenu to a subsequent menu item or to present an alert. Similarly, athree (3) second duration of the second type of press while the aerosoldelivery device is currently off, may cause the device to be powered on.

In some example implementations, the control component 108 may beconfigured to detect an alert event associated with the aerosol deliverydevice 100, and in response to a separate display trigger, control thedisplay 118 to present an alert 1400 corresponding thereto. The separatedisplay trigger may include, for example, at least one of the detectionof airflow through at least a portion of the at least one housing 1402,first and second types of presses of the pushbutton or idle duration1404, and the connection of the aerosol delivery device to a chargingcomponent 1406, 1408 respectively. After presentation of an alert thedisplay may enter standby mode 800 or present the previously-presentedmenu item. The alerts may include, for example, a cartridge error, endof power source capacity alert, charge power source alert, emptycartridge alert, charging power source alert, identification alert,Bluetooth bond confirmation alert, safety issue alert, locked displayalerts, unlocked display alert, battery temperature alert, and the like.In some example, implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 15 , one ormore of the menu items or alerts may be presented on the display inresponse to an interaction between the aerosol delivery device and anapplication associated with an external device.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart including various operations of a method1600 for controlling operation of an aerosol delivery device, inaccordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. Theaerosol delivery device includes at least one housing containing a userinterface including a pushbutton and a display on the at least onehousing, and a control component contained within the at least onehousing and coupled to the user interface. As shown at block 1602, themethod may include, at the control component, controlling operation ofat least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device inresponse to detection of airflow through at least a portion of the atleast one housing. The method may include controlling the display topresent a menu including a plurality of menu items selectable using onlythe pushbutton, as shown at block 1604. Each menu item of the pluralityof menu items may be associated with a respective functional element ofthe aerosol delivery device. The method may also include navigating theplurality of menu items, and selecting a currently-presented menu itemof the plurality of menu items for control of the respective functionalelement, in response to respective first and second types of presses ofthe pushbutton, as shown at block 1606. The first and second types ofpresses may be of different durations.

The various aspects, implementations, implementations or features of thedescribed implementations can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described implementations can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed implementations can also be embodied as computer readable codeon a computer readable medium for controlling the above-describedoperations. In particular, computer readable code may be configured toperform each of the operations of the methods described herein andembodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium forcontrolling the above-described operations. In this regard, a computerreadable storage medium, as used herein, refers to a non-transitory,physical storage medium (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory device,which can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computerreadable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs,DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computerreadable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computersystems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in adistributed fashion.

As noted above, the aerosol delivery device 100 may be configured toexecute computer code for performing the above-described operations. Inthis regard, an implementation of a non-transitory computer readablemedium for storing computer instructions executed by a processor in theaerosol delivery device is provided. The non-transitory computerreadable medium may comprise program code instructions for controllingan aerosol delivery device and user interface discussed herein.

The foregoing description of use of the article(s) can be applied to thevarious example implementations described herein through minormodifications, which can be apparent to the person of skill in the artin light of the further disclosure provided herein. The abovedescription of use, however, is not intended to limit the use of thearticle but is provided to comply with all necessary requirements ofdisclosure of the present disclosure. Any of the elements shown in thearticle(s) illustrated in FIGS. 1-15 or as otherwise described above maybe included in an aerosol delivery device according to the presentdisclosure.

Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thesedisclosure pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the disclosure are not to be limited to the specificimplementations disclosed and that modifications and otherimplementations are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe example implementations in the context ofcertain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative implementations without departing from thescope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, differentcombinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitlydescribed above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of theappended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: at leastone housing; a plurality of functional elements, the plurality offunctional elements including at least: a communication interfaceconfigured to enable wireless communication with an external device; andan atomizer; and a control component contained within the at least onehousing and coupled to the communication interface, the controlcomponent being configured to control operation of at least the atomizerin response to detection of airflow through at least a portion of the atleast one housing; wherein the control component is configured tocommunicate with the external device that is configured to present aplurality of menu items selectable at the external device, and wherein,in response to receiving a signal from the external device indicatingnavigation of the plurality of menu items, the control component isconfigured to control one of the plurality of functional elements orprovide an indication of a status of at least one of the plurality offunctional elements for display on the external device.
 2. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of functional elementsfurther includes a power source of the aerosol delivery device and theplurality of menu items includes a menu item, which, when selectedcauses a power off signal to be sent to the control component, wherein,in response to the control component receiving the power off signal, thecontrol component is configured to deactivate the power source andthereby cause the aerosol delivery device to power off.
 3. The aerosoldelivery device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of menu items includesa menu item, which, when selected causes a power alteration signal to besent to the control component, wherein, in response to the controlcomponent receiving the power alteration signal, the control componentis configured to effect an alteration of a power level of the atomizer.4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the communicationinterface is a Bluetooth communication interface, and wherein theplurality of menu items includes a menu item, which, when selectedcauses a reset signal to be sent to the control component, wherein, inresponse to receiving the reset signal, the control component isconfigured to effect a reset of the Bluetooth communication interface.5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the plurality offunctional elements further includes a user output interface component,and wherein the plurality of menu items includes a menu item, which,when selected causes an output modification signal to be sent to thecontrol component, wherein, in response to receiving the outputmodification signal, the control component is configured to modify anoutput characteristic of the user output interface component.
 6. Theaerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of functionalelements further includes a power source of the aerosol delivery device,and wherein the control component is configured to send a current powerlevel status of the power source to the external device for display. 7.The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control component isconfigured to send a status of aerosol precursor composition containedby the aerosol delivery device to the external device for display. 8.The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the control component isfurther configured to detect an alert event associated with the aerosoldelivery device and send an indication of the alert event to theexternal device.
 9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8, wherein thealert event comprises one of a cartridge error, end of power sourcecapacity alert, charge power source alert, empty cartridge alert,charging power source alert, identification alert, Bluetooth bondconfirmation alert, safety issue alert, locked display alerts, unlockeddisplay alert, and battery temperature alert.
 10. The aerosol deliverydevice of claim 1, wherein the plurality of menu items includes at leastone of a status menu, a heating element power setting menu, a stealthmode menu, a Bluetooth menu, or a power menu.
 11. A method forcontrolling operation of an aerosol delivery device including at leastone housing, a plurality of functional elements, the plurality offunctional elements including at least a communication interfaceconfigured to enable wireless communication with an external device andan atomizer, the aerosol delivery device further comprising a controlcomponent contained within the at least one housing and coupled to thecommunication interface, the method comprising, at the controlcomponent: controlling operation of at least the atomizer in response todetection of airflow through at least a portion of the at least onehousing; communicating with the external device that presents aplurality of menu items selectable at the external device; receiving asignal from the external device indicating navigation of the pluralityof menu items; and in response to receiving the signal, either or bothof controlling one of the plurality of functional elements, or providingan indication of a status of at least one of the plurality of functionalelements for display on the external device.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the plurality of functional elements further includes a powersource of the aerosol delivery device and the plurality of menu itemsincludes a menu item, which, when selected causes a power off signal tobe transmitted to the control component, the method further comprising,at the control component: in response to the control component receivingthe power off signal, controlling the power source to deactivate,thereby causing the aerosol delivery device to power off.
 13. The methodof claim 11, wherein the plurality of menu items includes a menu item,which, when selected causes a power alteration signal to be sent to thecontrol component, the method further comprising, at the controlcomponent: in response to the control component receiving the poweralteration signal, causing an alteration of a power level of theatomizer.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the communicationinterface is a Bluetooth communication interface, and wherein theplurality of menu items includes a menu item, which, when selectedcauses a reset signal to be sent to the control component, the methodfurther comprising, at the control component: in response to the controlcomponent receiving the reset signal, causing a reset of the Bluetoothcommunication interface.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein theplurality of functional elements further includes a user outputinterface component, and wherein the plurality of menu items includes amenu item, which, when selected causes an output modification signal tobe sent to the control component, wherein the method further comprises,at the control component: in response to the control component receivingthe output modification signal, causing a modification to an outputcharacteristic of the user output interface component.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the plurality of functional elements further includesa power source of the aerosol delivery device, and wherein the methodfurther comprises, at the control component, providing a current powerlevel status of the power source for display on the external device. 17.The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises, at thecontrol component, communicating a status of aerosol precursorcomposition contained by the aerosol delivery device to the externaldevice for display.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the methodfurther comprises, at the control component: detecting an alert eventassociated with the aerosol delivery device; and sending an indicationof the alert event to the external device.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the alert event comprises one of a cartridge error, end of powersource capacity alert, charge power source alert, empty cartridge alert,charging power source alert, identification alert, Bluetooth bondconfirmation alert, safety issue alert, locked display alerts, unlockeddisplay alert, and battery temperature alert.
 20. The method of claim11, wherein the plurality of menu items includes at least one of astatus menu, a heating element power setting menu, a stealth mode menu,a Bluetooth menu, or a power menu.